Sarah Johar was chosen as director "Happy Birthday" Within a list "Variety" For the 10 most prominent directors
The American magazine Variety chose director Sarah Johar on its annual list of “10 Directors to Watch” For the year 2026, for her international film “Merry Christmas – Happy Birthday,” which was submitted this year to compete for the Academy Award for Best International Film.
Johar was chosen among a group of emerging directors from various countries of the world, as part of the magazine’s keenness to highlight promising talents who have achieved a remarkable presence at film festivals and forums, alongside American and international directors whose works have presented new visions in narrative. Al-Basri.
The directors included in the list will be honored during a special event held on January 3, within the activities of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which runs from January 2 to 12, and their full profiles will be published in the special issue of Variety issued on December 31.
The film “Merry Christmas – Happy Birthday” tells the story of The story of Toha, a child who works in the home of a wealthy family and builds a deep human relationship with Nelly, the daughter of the owners of the house. Although Touha has never known the joy of celebrating her birthday, she seeks to prepare an exceptional celebration for Nelly, while hiding inside her a hidden wish that she too will experience the meaning of joy.
The film stars Nelly Karim, Hanan Motawa, and the child Doha Ramadan, and it is a joint authorship between Sarah Gohar and Mohamed Diab.
The film has won many awards from several international festivals, and is produced by Ahmed El-Desouki. "Esky Limit" And Film Square, immersive Studios, in addition to the famous Oscar-winning American star Jamie Foxx.
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